Teshina Wilson, DO, a 2007 graduate of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine has been name the 2013 Young Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year by the American College of Osteopathic Physicians (ACOFP).

Dr. Wilson was awarded this honor for her medical contributions and leadership skills and will receive the award during the ACOFP’s 2013 Annual Convention & Scientific Seminars, which will be held March 21-24, 2013. During the early years of her residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, her volunteer spirit and potential were evident. In 2009, she was among the first residents nominated for the ACOFP Future Leaders Conference during its inaugural run.

“It is so very humbling to think that someone would think of me this way” said Wilson, who is the chief medical officer at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware. The center is a federally qualified health care center, a designation that means it offers primary care services in underserved urban and rural communities. Many of Dr. Wilson’s patients are either uninsured, lack sufficient coverage or are between jobs. Without her care, many would not otherwise have access to healthcare.

“We are really working every day to see the ways we can make improvements, bring more access points to patients” Wilson said. “If we keep our patients healthy, that’s the workforce of the United States.”

Dr. Wilson stated that the center’s staff works particularly hard to find ways to provide much-needed services to patients such as seeking alternative ways to cover procedures and care. “Some days it is very frightening and it just weighs on us, but we don’t accept no for an answer” she said, referring to the frequent insurance obstacles that arise. “It takes a few more steps but we know there’s a way to get it done.”

Dr. Wilson said she smiles when discussing her medical education at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It is an environment I couldn’t replicate anywhere else. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. When people are fostered into medicine in that kind of environment, you create the most stellar physicians and also some really good people.”

Dr. Wilson said she was drawn to practicing family medicine because of the relationships she could develop with patients. “I know every family member. I know all their intricacies” she said. “It is an honor because they allow me to become part of their families. It feels exactly like home.”